A memorial honoring the victims of the Lewiston mass shooting was erected on the former Schemengees site

LEWISTON (WGME) – Following the mass shooting in Lewiston on October 25, 2023, Schememenge's Bar and Grille closed.

The nonprofit Kaydenz Kitchen bought the building and is renovating it. The site will receive new life as a resource center, food pantry and eventual emergency heating center.

On Friday there will be a special exhibit in the parking lot commemorating the Lewiston tragedy one year later.

To commemorate the 18 people who died that day, Kaydenz Kitchen set up 18 “warming center rest areas” in the parking lot.

The designated places remain open all day. Attached to each spot is one of the victim's initials, a square of carpet, a doormat, a sleeping bag, a homemade quilt, a small flower pot and a burning flame that is lit on Friday evening.

Kadenz Kitchen founder Kevin Boilard says the memorial honors a life lost, but also a life saved.

“We wanted to highlight what each individual relaxation area symbolizes. Where everyone has their own individual rug and mat, sleeping bag and extra blankets. And then we wanted to add some flowers. And then this.” “In the evening we will all light candles,” said Boilard.

Kaydenz Kitchen says the community is welcome to stop by during the day to pay their respects or drop off a flower. They will light the candles at sunset and let them burn out.